I've been researching chronographs for the last several months. The models available are legion, and buyer reviews, even for the better models go from one, to five stars. While not a benchrest shooter, I do appreciate a bit more input when reloading.

What say the forum members?

Facts? Fictions? Emotional outbursts?

If you can afford it, get the Oehler 35P. You will never look back or wish you had bought something else. I have owned four different chronographs and the Oehler is the best by far. All the others were finicky. The Oehler never misses a shot unless a shadow is on only part of one of the diffusers. Now that I know that, I watch for it. It is also simple to setup and use.

Mike

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NRA Certified Pistol Inst.

My first instrument was the basic crony. It opened up a whole new layer of information that I can't believe I did without for all those years.

I still have a crony for quick tests of a new lot of powder or to simply get ballpark figures on velocity.

I also have an Oehler 35 which is tougher to set up than the crony and a tripod, but the extra two minutes spent, well worth it.

The Oehler prints out data to tape to a target or store as needed.

It has a three screen system that compares the readings as 2 separate readings and checks for gross errors. I have only occasionally had a reading thrown out, but I still like that feature. Check THEIR description of that feature...I didn't do it justice.

I can't imagine NOT having a chronograph as a reloader , especially for rifles.

I like printed data that I can tape to the target for future reference too.

I haven't shot through the higher end units like Oehler but do use my ProChrono a lot. It has worked perfectly until this recent weekend. Shooting .308 gave readings at time of 106 fps (all five rounds were low like that). Had to shut it off and turn it back on between strings. Not sure what's happening with it. I'll change the battery before the next shoot to see if maybe that's it. This is on my personal shooting range - no others shooting here. Nothing's perfect except maybe Mr. Oehlers stuff

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Webfarmer

I stick a label with the load data on the back of the tape and save it in an index card file box. It works great.

Mike

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NRA Certified Pistol Inst.

I bought the basic Chrony. It doesn't provide reams of comparative statistical data or make cappuccino but it tells me what I need to know and I paid all of $95.00 for it. This was a valuable addition to my reloading and I finally know exactly what my loads are doing or not doing.

Don't forget, you'll also need a camera tripod.

My ProChrono gave me slow reading at the indoor range last time. It was clocking my 45 rounds at 560 and the time before the same rounds were in the 900s. Brought it home and fired the Gamo Whisper across it out doors and got a perfect reading. I can also print out info as O bought the USB kit and have the Blurtooth kit on order to remote control it. I have to rool it out from the fireline as the line is always hot at the indoors range I belong to.

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USN Retired/VN VET
M&P X5

I also have the ProChrono and like it a lot. It's my first unit, and have to say it's not as temperamental as I was worried they would be. It works and is capable of a lot more than what I need. I just jot down the reading on a notepad. I can hook it to the computer but I doubt I'll ever get around to it. Its nice knowing where you're at, and shocked me on a few loads. Its become a important piece of shooting / reloading equipment.

Had an original Shooting Chrony in the late '80s and have had a couple beta master Chronys since. They're fine by me - I like having the readout and controls on my bench. I have never felt the need to buy anything more shi-shi . . . and I'm not averse to spending money on reloading gear where I feel it makes sense.

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Now go make God proud...

+1 on Federali's response.

The Chrony is also much cheaper to replace when you accidentally shoot it. I'm on my 3rd one in 20+ years.

LOL. I said I have owned four different chronos. I guess I should specify that I did not shoot any of mine... although a couple of them might have deserved that. I still own three, but the only one I use now is my Oehler.

Mike

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NRA Certified Pistol Inst.

I only shoot across mine using a pistol rest and the Prochrono has a 12 inch area to shoot through.

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USN Retired/VN VET
M&P X5

but can be habit forming. When I first started chronoing, I generated so much data it was ridiculous! I realized I needed a chronograph when the RO at a USPSA match said he could see my 45ACP bullets go down-range. I had used a load from a manual but velocity was only 600 fps.

My first was a simple Chrony which went down-range when hit by .223 hardball. :-) I have bought and used every brand made and have settled on a PACT PC version with built in printer. I also chrono indoors using an infra-red light source. This takes sun, clouds, rain and wind out of the process.

FYI: you can't chrono indoors under fluorescent lights.

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Bob.
SWCA 1821

Scroll to the very bottom of this thread and there is a list of similar posts, The answers you seek are there.

If you live anywhere there is Sun forget the Chrony brand (sorry Erich) I tried 2 of them and all your mods. Never worked.

The Competition Electronics has never missed a shot

ProChrono Digital - Competition Electronics

For the OP:

Read the reviews. If you kill it they will replaced it for half price but if you can not shoot through a chronograph at 10 feet then maybe they are not for you.

Competition Electronics ProChrono Digital Chronograph

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Still Running Against the Wind

Oehler 35P. You won't outgrow it or wish you had purchased something better.

I can't tell you which is best, but can steer you away from the Caldwell Ballistic Chrono; DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!

I bought one last year and it frankly has been a huge disappointment. The first one I received gave errors just sitting there, indoors or outdoors. I called them about it and Caldwell sent me a replacement, which kinda works sometimes when things line up just right. It absolutely hates any sunshine and gives massive errors. Last time I tried using it, the darn thing told me that while trying to chrono some 264 mag rounds I had loaded with Sierra 85 grain HP bullets that one had actually achieved escape velocity of around 35,000 fps! And of the rest of that box I ran across the chrono, only one round gave a halfway believable number of around 3750 fps. The rest showed up as errors besides the escape velocity round. And it's a shame, because I truly like the app they have to connect it to your smartphone to read and store the chrono information.

So, I am in the same boat as you, Dennis. I am looking for a reliable chronograph, because this Caldwell frankly sucks!

I bought a ProChrono Digital too. Mine has also worked very reliably. I got it because of positive reviews, but also because it was cheap.

Apparently you can hack them up a fair bit, people have made wireless and wired controllers for it. It has an RCA port for remote control/display and I guess it's fairly straightforward to use that for these efforts. Mine is just "stock" though.

A chronograph is a useful tool, whichever one you get.

I had that happen too.
Once I pushed it further away the readings got realistic.
I also installed a Caldwell infrared light kit on it for indoor use.
Seems to work given the florescent lighting at this range.

I do like the ProChrono for the price.
Once set up it's quite reliable.
I also use a Magnetospeed but that's for barrels 6" or longer.

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Nemo

My first Chronograph was an Ohler 33 back 35+years ago.

Over the years I had the Ohler 33, 35, 43 and a pair of the CED Milleniums

Dr Ohler is a GREAT person to deal with. Just before the shot show one year (long ago) I had loaned my Ohler 33 to buddy and told him if he shot a screen he was buying a screen. He joked that he was too good a shot for that to happen. Guess what.....yep he shot a screen. I went to the Ohler booth hoping to get a screen on the spot but they did not have any. Ken told one of the people to send me a SkyScreen III at no charge. When I explained I was still using the older SkyScreen IIs, he told then to send me a complete upgrade set including light diffusers. I was blown away and bought my next two chronographs from him.

Right now I have a Magnetospeed for testing and evaluation.

My Ohler 43 was lost by the airlines and is not replaceable since Ohler does not manufacture them any longer. If they were available and price were no object, the 43 is the way to go. It does a crapload of cool stuff including pressure measurement

For the Rifleman, this Magnetospeed I am using is vary nice. It straps right to the barrel, no skyscreens. Needs no light to work. sets up in minuted with nothing down range. However, it is not for the handgunner.

I do not, have never and will not own a chronograph where the electronics are within striking distance of the bullets path. Remote skyscreens are the way to go. You can carry a spare in your bag (I do now) and if one gets shot you can be back up and running in 10 minutes.

If I were buying my first chronograph today and budget was a concern, I would buy the CED Millenium. The great thing here is that the chronograph speaks the velocity out loud after every shot.

If price were no big deal and quality was, the Ohler 35 would be on my list

I have both a Magnetospeed and a CED Millenium. I take the Oehler out every time unless I am measuring shotgun velocities, then the Magnetospeed is more suitable.

I have had sun issues with my CED. I have to tape index cards over the front and rear of the "sensors" to shield them from the sunlight or it will not work properly. That solution still does not fix it if the sun angle is just right. I have never had to do anything like that with the Oehler.

Mike

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NRA Certified Pistol Inst.

My indoor light system is on the way along with 2 small lead acid batteries. Yes I need to push mine out a little farther.

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USN Retired/VN VET
M&P X5

Just how much will you use it? If only occasionally, get a basic Chrony for starters. Then you can move up if you wish. You can always sell the Chrony. I have used the same chrony for over 10 years, without a problem of any kind. Mine works fine in both sun and shade, don't know why others report that it doesn't. Most of the time, I don't even use the plastic shades over the cells, just the rods. If you think you will be using it a lot, an Oehler 35 would probably be the best (or whatever Oehler sells at present). When I first started, I borrowed a friend's Oehler for several months and it worked fine. I just didn't plan to use it enough to justify the additional cost of buying my own.

I bought your basic meat-n-potatoes Alpha Master Chrony and am totally happy. They are suitable for obtaining some basic velocities which are crucial for taking your handloading and elevation doping to the next level of accuracy and repeatability. However keep in mind ALL the lower end crony's are subject to becoming inconsistent in varied light conditions. My Alpha get's very finicky in varied light conditions. My best scenario is bright overcast light. This is when I get the most trouble free readouts. Variables such as low sunlight or late day sunset , passing sun and clouds poses inconsistent readouts. After talking with many other crony users they all have the same issues as me. But I think I only payed about $130 for my Alpha Master and when it comes to relying on my crony velocity data for doping adjustments from 200 meters out to 600 yards , my Chrony's data is dam close.

Shooting Chrony® Models & Master Chrony® Models

My first was a Chrony, and it seemed to work fine until I shot it. That was my temper, I wasn't using the diffusers that day, which is probably why it was acting up, so I kept shooting lower trying to get a reading.

Now I have a Pact, and I'm completely happy except I'd like a printer, and I'm not sure they still offer one. Whatever you buy, always use diffusers.

Without writing pages of why, just accept a fact of life - Do not purchase a Pact.
I have been using a Chrony Beta the past couple of years and it works for the level I now expect from my chronographs. Not the best, yes buy the Oehler 35 if you want the best. For reasonable service, I can say my less that $ 100, (actually new in the box for $ 70 find) is a great purchase. You will discover lower SD (standard deviation) are produced by the better powders and you will see that lower SD loads produce smaller groups on target. You will see, especially with a pistol, that the slow shot does drop very low out of the group on paper and the high velocity shot goes way up out of the group. It will help you determine which powder does the best and if a rifle for longer ranges, is a must to use a ballistic chart for drop. Accurate loads with a know velocity and ballistic coefficient and a smart phone program will produce hits at very long ranges in your rifles. Want to impress someone, tell him to take a water filled gallon jug and go place it anywhere he wants to at the range, just make sure its over 1/4 mile away and then pull out the gun and range finder and bust the jug with the first shot. You have to have a chrono for your loads to do that one, but that's why we shoot, to have fun. Yes, buy something to check velocities with, you shooting will improve because your loads will improve.

Yes it answers my question why there is 4 shots grouped tight off a rest and a 5th out of the group. I knew all along it wasn't my shooting. lol

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USN Retired/VN VET
M&P X5

I use this one Competition Electronics ProChrono Digital Chronograph. I also have the indoor lighting kit. I mainly use it for load development and to make sure I make power factor for competition. I find that the light kit eliminates most of the "varying light" problems. I have the chrono, light kit, tripod, and a 50' extension cord in a small backpack. When I want to use it, I just grab the bag and go. I have read about some guys who figured out how to convert the light kit to run on batteries (hard to find a outlet at the range, but I do all my chrono work at the indoor range).

Another vote for the Oehler 35P. The computer part of the chrono is separate from the skyscreens so you shouldn't be able to shoot it when it is sitting on the bench next to you. All parts are available in the event something does get winged by a bullet.

I have owned several different chronos over the years and this one is by far the least finicky of all of them. It generates accurate results in lighting conditions that cause others to completely stop reading.

Their site says that it works with a 24 volt battery, 2 12volt in series. I am still waiting for mine to arrive along with two batteries as there is no available plugin at the indoor range. I also preordered the Bluetooth and downloaded the cell phone app. You can see each shot vorticity and control the controls from the phone. My old eyes can't read the digital readout from the firing line. I am using the Serial to USB kit to view data on my PC and print out results.

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USN Retired/VN VET
M&P X5

You get what you pay far.

The lower the dollar cost the less consistent and finicky they are, especially those that rely on sunlight. Speed changes as light angle or intensity changes.

I own a CED which has worked reasonably well and provide pretty consistent reading without regard to lighting conditions.
Good enough for most data collection purposes.

I also have a Kurzzeit BMC-19 and BMC-21 which are great.
The new BMC-19 is wireless to my laptop which is a joy. They are supposed to making the hooks for pulling the data directly in to Quick Loads for us internal ballistic geeks.

Have used or shoot over most the other and I would only recommend the Oehler out side those I own, it is also an excellent product.

If you are a geek the Kurzzeit BMC-19 is the ultimate.

As a side note, use a rest when shooting over your chrono, it not uncommon to get one shot, please don't ask.

Good Luck and be safe
Ruggy

Another recommendation for a Shooting Chrony. I've had mine for 2 years now and it works fine.

With the issue of shooting your chrony unit, I almost did the same thing, I nicked one of the steel sunshade rods and this was because I engaged a 2nd target that was more off center than my first target. Now what I do is use my laser bore sight tool and a sheet of white paper placed behind the unit to get an idea of bullet flight and verify that I am safely between the sun shade support rods and well above the sensors. Works awesome.

Thanks, I didn't notice that. I have a couple of miniature 12v batteries lying around from old projects so if I ever want to do that I can. I use my indoor range because it's closer than the outdoor ones and they let me use the action bay which isn't in use most mornings when I go.

I bought a CED M2 from MidwayUSA a few years ago. Seems to work fine.

The remote processing unit is a great feature, i.e., it's hard to shoot when it's on the table next to you.

The Caldwell light kit (you don't have to get the chronograph) comes with a little battery pack that takes 4 AA cells.
This powers it long enough for several hours.
Longest session I have done is about 3 hours and it worked all that time.
It also includes a wall powered supply but I can't find an outlet at my range.
95 fps is how fast I got a rubber band to go over it.
I had to drill out the rod holes in the light strips a little.

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Nemo

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I have the Caldwell that has a long cord to plug into your phone. My 9 year old stood behind me and called out the data after each shot and as I'd load another mag I'd tell him what load to enter in the description.

I have a Pro Chrono that I have been using for a few months. It works fine for my purposes. It is the only one I have used so I can't compare it to any others. It comes in handy for working up loads which is what I bought it for. Main thing is it gives me an idea of what I am getting velocity wise.

A MagnetoSpeed is an outstanding choice IF you can attach it to your firearm (eg rifle, shotgun, most longer barreled revolvers, pistols with rails, etc). It does not require a cease fire to set up. It works in any light including no light and works in any weather. It is almost impossible to shoot a MagnetoSpeed

The only other "con" about it is it is most likely to change your (rifle's) POI. So while developing a load most of us make extra rounds to measure velocity.

I have a CED M2 and a MagnetoSpeed. Both are fine chronos. But I haven't hauled out the M2 in a couple of years now.

You can talk about accuracy, buy once cry once, all the rest . . . but optical chronos are a PITA to use. They require hauling tripod(s) to the range, a cease-fire to set up, a second cease fire to adjust, and many indoor ranges won't allow you a few yards down range in the first place. Many chronos require special lighting indoors, they don't work well out beyond the shed when its raining . . . etc.

Personally, I am waiting (hoping) that the new Labradar will actually come out and actually work. This radar device sits alongside you at the bench, doesn't require light at all, and doesn't attach to the firearm in any way.

The Oehler is great, the gold standard for optical chronos. Unfortunately, the 14.4k baud modem was once top of the line too.

I shot over my Prochrono to day at the indoor range with the new IR LED light system that came in yesterday and it worked great.

This is from the 38 Special 158gr Blue Bullets SWS with 4.6gr of CFE Pistol. I pushed the chrono out 7 feet from the firing line using the PVC push handle and shot at a target 10 yards out. Everything worked fine. Then today the smaller lead acid batteries came in so I can cut down the weight a little.

4.6gr CFE Pistol pushing 158gr SWC Blue Bullets
String:,2
Date:,4/23/2015
Time:,12:57:17 PM
Grains:,158
Hi Vel:,852
Low Vel:,814
Ave Vel:,832
Ext Spread:,38
Std Dev:,15

Velocity, Power Factor, Ft/Lbs
817, 102.125, 185.249
852, 106.500, 201.461
820, 102.500, 186.612
832, 104.000, 192.114
850, 106.250, 200.516
847, 105.875, 199.103
815, 101.875, 184.343
814, 101.750, 183.891
832, 104.000, 192.114
842, 105.250, 196.760

With 4.8gr of CFE Pistol
String:,3
Date:,4/23/2015
Time:,1:00:18 PM
Grains:,158
Hi Vel:,880
Low Vel:,838
Ave Vel:,846
Ext Spread:,42
Std Dev:,12

Velocity, Power Factor, Ft/Lbs
838, 132.404, 246.347
839, 132.562, 246.935
843, 133.194, 249.295
849, 134.142, 252.856
851, 134.458, 254.049
840, 132.720, 247.524
841, 132.878, 248.114
840, 132.720, 247.524
848, 133.984, 252.261
880, 139.040, 271.659

This was with a GP100 4,1 inch barrel.

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USN Retired/VN VET
M&P X5

I've been into photography for about 50 years. I have enough Bogen's, Slik's, Manfrotto's, and a few other brands to just about start my own business.

Keep the comments coming! A real education!

I had almost as much money in my tripod as in the chrony.

I picked up this tripod for my Pro Chrono for less than twenty bucks with free shipping. I don't know how good it is for photography but it works fine for the Pro.
Vista by Davis & Sanford Explorer V Tripod with 3-Way EXPLORERV

I don't see any advantage for needing an expensive tripod under your chrony. If anyting it's a potential projectile target I do definitely see an advantage to having an expensive , beefy, stable tripod under your spotting scope for identifying .22 cal holes at 200 meters on a windy day...

I have and recommend the CED Millennium. The neat thing I like, it integrates with RSI shooting software. Both, well worth the money.:

Shooting Ballistics Software, Chronographs & Barrel Pressure Testing Software for PC
Bullet Velocity Hardware & Software Load Test Kit | CED M2 Chronographs

True that. Anything down range is a potential target.

I had an old cheapy tripod, and it wouldn't support the screens very well, so I bought a good tripod. After considerable shopping, I determined that good tripods aren't cheap.

This is the one I use, and it works great. I have the wired remote and that is very convenient.

Actually, I'm on my second ProChrono, as I shot my first on dead with a mighty 10mm blast to the bow. Oops. I had just installed the Trijicon 'ghost ring' rear sight on my G29, and didn't quite have that mastered...! Did I mention how I don't like 'ghost ring' sights on a carry gun...?

I sure was glad that the ProChronos are reasonably priced! And it works perfect...

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NRA Life Member

I can't wait to get the new Bluetooth kit I have a pre order in. I have the App, Digital Link already on my phone. I was going to take my laptop to the indoor range as I have the serial to USB link but the darn laptop is just to big to sit on the bench. I use it on my PC to look at the data and print it out plus store it on my PC. The new indoor lighting assy made the chrono run with no errors the last two times. I was so excited I got a 11 and a 13 SD with 10 shot strings with my new 45 ACP loads. Each string took the center out of the target at 10 yds.

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USN Retired/VN VET
M&P X5

The only crono I've owned is an Oehler 35P. Came in a rifle case with tripod/sky screens/cables etc.. Been using it for over 20 years. Met Dr. Oehler at a Shot Show. Nice guy. Doesn't mind talking to you.

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S&W Accumulator

Oehler 35 is probably the number 1 chrono but there was no way I was going to be able to use it at the indoor range I belong to as the line is always hot. I can roll my setup out from the line with out disturbing other shooters.

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USN Retired/VN VET
M&P X5

Hi, All:
I received a Basic Chrony several years ago for a Christmas gift from my wife. I said every time I went out to shoot, that I will take it out, and try it the next time I go out to shoot, but now I'm 84 yrs. old, and don't shoot at all, and there it sets, in the box it come in, never used. Don't do like I did, do it while you can. If interested in a Basic Chrony, PM me.
Chubbo